Elizabeth Heller

Artist Statement

My work is based on observation of the natural world, but my need to bring it forth comes from a deeper, more emotional state. As I look at certain landscapes, arrangements of objects, or other people, a special clarity or meaning emerges from my vision of them, and compels me to record this unified beauty that I see.
There is an initial moment of “seeing” that I refer to when I start a painting. I work many hours more to develop the painting into a finished whole. Working in the same light, I build each part slowly, always trying to be aware of what needs refining.
Most recently, I have painted complex still lives with colored glass, sometimes with a sculptural or portrait subject, and natural forms of plants, flowers, or shells. I have also completed landscape paintings of the Manayunk Canal area, in Philadelphia, and other city landscapes, returning many times to the site, to clarify my vision.
When I look at the world, I see a subtle and delicate geometry--formed by the balancing of shapes, colors, space, and light. This delicate artistic geometry has an emotional meaning, and it speaks to me as a unified whole. It is my meaningful endeavor to unlock this message of beauty from the world.